Round vs Teardrop Implants – Choosing The Best Breast Implant Shape

Women who choose to have breast implant surgery find they have a wide range of different breast implant options available. Getting the best breast augmentation results is closely linked to the selection of the most appropriate implant shape. Breast implants can be either round or teardrop shaped, and each type has its pros and cons depending on the results you would like to achieve. Centre for Surgery is the leading cosmetic surgery clinic for breast implants in London and the UK.

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What are breast implants?

Breast implants are a type of surgical prosthesis that is placed beneath the breast tissue to achieve enhancement in the size, shape and fullness of the breast. Breast implants can lead to a significant improvement in self-confidence and emotional well-being as women feel much more confident and feminine. Breast implants can also be used as part of breast reconstruction surgery for women who have had a mastectomy for breast cancer or for correcting certain congenital conditions or chest wall defects such as pectus excavatum or Poland’s syndrome.

RELATED: What is the perfect breast implant for me?

Breast implants come into main varieties depending on the internal filler material. Saline implants contain a sterile saline (salt water solution), while silicone implants contain a medical-grade cohesive gel. Saline implants are no longer used in the UK as they are more likely to develop implant-related complications such as sudden deflation, folding of the implant shell or rupture. However, when saline implants rupture, any internal saline solution is safely absorbed into the body. The ruptured saline implants must still be surgically removed with a breast implant removal procedure.

Silicone implants more closely mimic the natural feel of breast tissue with less risk of wrinkling or visible implant edges. Some older types of silicone implants contain a more runny type of silicone gel which increase the risk of leakage into the surrounding tissue and cause localised soft tissue lumps.

RELATED: Mentor breast implants

How to Pick the Right Shape for Your Breast Implant

Every woman is unique, and so is the shape and size of her breasts. That’s why there are various breast implant shapes and sizes available to cater to each individual’s needs. Some ladies might want a modest increase in their bust size with subtle implants, while others might be after a dramatic change with bigger ones. There’s also a choice to make between a rounded, more noticeable shape or a natural-looking outcome, which makes it harder to tell if there’s been any enhancement.

No matter what you’re hoping to achieve, there’s something out there for you.

When considering a breast augmentation using silicone, you can opt for either round or teardrop-shaped implants. Your choice will likely be influenced by a few key things:

Your body’s natural build

Think about your body’s overall proportions when choosing an implant. If you’re a bit broader, especially around the shoulders, or if you’re taller, you might feel that bigger implants balance your look. But if you’re on the petite side, then going for smaller implants might feel more fitting. Also, think about the final look you’re aiming for. Do you want a full, curvy result or something that looks like it’s always been a part of you?

Your current breast size

The amount of natural breast tissue you have now will also influence your choice. If you already have a decent amount of breast tissue, a bigger implant can easily blend in, giving a seamless and natural appearance. On the other hand, if you’re starting with a smaller chest and want a big change, then teardrop implants might give you the best result.

Your daily life and activities

Your everyday routine and activities play a role too. If you’re someone who’s always on the go, hitting the gym, running, or maybe even doing yoga, then round implants could be your best bet. They’re less likely to shift or move out of place as you go about your day. But, if your day-to-day is more relaxed or less active, then teardrop-shaped implants could be ideal. They tend to stay put, giving you a consistent look.

Round vs Anatomical implants – which is best?

When it comes to breast implants, the shape you choose can significantly influence the final look and feel of your breasts post-surgery. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between round and teardrop implants:

• Round Implants: As the name suggests, these implants are circular and tend to give the breasts a fuller, more rounded appearance. They fit snugly and uniformly in the breast cavity and can enhance the cleavage area. Made of silicone gel, they provide a consistent shape throughout and are versatile in that they can suit various body types and aesthetic goals.
• Teardrop Implants: Mimicking the natural shape of a breast, teardrop implants taper at the top and gradually increase in size towards the base. This creates a more natural-looking slope and contour, especially beneficial for those aiming for a subtle enhancement. These implants are filled with a cohesive gel, which holds its form better and maintains the teardrop shape. This unique composition ensures the implant doesn’t easily rotate or shift out of position.

Round implants

Round implants are the most commonly used type of breast implant here at Centre for Surgery and are used in approximately 75% of procedures. Round implants come in a range of different sizes and projections. Many women prefer round implants as they can enhance fullness in both the upper and lower portion of the breast. High-profile round implants may also help to enhance cleavage and provide a minor degree of breast lift when placed behind the breast tissue in a subglandular position.  When in the standing position, round implants can appear natural-looking due to the effects of gravity, leading to a teardrop shape, which resembles the normal human breast.  When women lie flat, the implants will have a more rounded appearance.

Anatomical (teardrop) implants

In approximately 25% of breast implant procedures, anatomical implants are chosen to achieve natural-looking results. Anatomical implants have a teardrop shape which closely resembles the shape of the normal human breast. Compared with round implants, anatomical implants have a firmer silicone gel to mimic the feel of normal breast tissue and have a coarse-textured surface to prevent implant rotation. If an anatomical implant were to rotate, breast implant revision surgery would be required to correct implant rotation.

The best way to choose the ideal shape of a breast implant is to have an in-person consultation. This will allow your surgeon to assess the size and shape of your chest to aid selection of the most appropriate implant to match your body anatomy.

Breast implants with fat transfer or breast lift (mastopexy)

Breast implants are excellent for enhancing breast size, shape or fullness. However, for women who have significant degrees of breast sagging or drooping, breast augmentation with implants on their own is not sufficient to improve the shape of the breast. Optimum correction of sagging breasts can be achieved by combining a Breast lift with implants.

Breast lift surgery is also known as a mastopexy and involves surgical removal of excess breast skin combined with the reduction in the size of the areolas, also known as areola reduction surgery. A mastopexy can help to improve both the shape and firmness of the breasts. Droopy breasts can be lifted to a more higher position on the chest for a more youthful look. Many women combine breast implants with a breast lift to enhance breast volume and shape in the same procedure. The development of saggy and droopy breasts can occur due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, significant weight loss or the natural ageing process. Some women may choose to have breast implants separately from a breast lift. In this case, breast augmentation with implants would be carried out first, followed by a mastopexy approximately 3 to 6 months later.

Pros and cons of round implants and anatomical implants

Women should be clear about what they would like to achieve from breast implant surgery when they have an in-person consultation with a specialist plastic surgeon. There are pros and cons to both round implants and anatomical implants, depending on a woman’s treatment goals. Although many people are keen to choose the right implant size, implant shape can also be a key factor in determining breast implant surgery results. The consultation serves as the ideal opportunity to discuss the benefits and risks of both round implants and teardrop implants. The surgeon needs to understand what concerns you about how your breasts look. Although your preferences will be considered when selecting the ideal shape, your surgeon can advise you on the most appropriate implant choice, having carried out a physical examination to determine the anatomy of your chest.

Round implants are easier to manufacture, and therefore, the cost savings can be passed on to the patient. Round implants do not suffer from some of the associated risks of anatomical implants, such as implant rotation. There is also thought to be a lower risk of BIA-ALCL with smooth round implants. Round implants have a softer feel compared with teardrop implants and are less suited to correcting mild sagging or grouping of the breast.

Anatomical implants generally cost more than round implants as they are more difficult to manufacture. Teardrop implants have a textured surface to minimise the risk of implant rotation. Anatomical implants have a firmer consistency to closely mimic the feel of natural breast tissue. However, teardrop implants are associated with a higher risk of BIA-ALCL due to the textured surface.

Benefits of breast implants for breast augmentation

Breast augmentation surgery is designed to enhance the size, shape or fullness of the breasts. Silicone implants are the most commonly used type of breast implant in the UK and can be placed either behind the breast tissue or beneath the pectoralis muscle. Patient satisfaction rates after breast augmentation are very high due to the significant boost in self-confidence from having more feminine-looking breasts. Breast implants can also be used as part of breast reconstruction surgery for women who have had a mastectomy for breast cancer or have congenital breast defects such as breast asymmetry. Breast implants can also be used with a mastopexy to improve breast shape following pregnancy, breastfeeding and significant weight loss. It is important to understand what having breast implants involves, how the procedure is carried out, the recovery period involved and the potential risks and complications.

RELATED: Are breast implants worth it?

Choosing Your Implant Shape: A Guide to Making the Right Decision

Let’s face it, making choices can be tough. When it comes to altering your body, even more so. You’ll be juggling countless possibilities, potential outcomes, and “what ifs” in your mind. That little voice of uncertainty can make the process even more challenging. But remember, every decision, big or small, is a mix of risks and rewards.

It’s completely natural to feel apprehensive about the unknown. Even when you’re excited about the positive changes a decision can bring, there’s often a small part of you that wonders about the unforeseen challenges that might come up.

When considering breast implants, there’s a lot to think about: size, shape, and type, just to name a few. And while these choices can feel overwhelming, they also offer a chance for transformative results that align with your vision for yourself.

Here are a few pointers to help you navigate this decision confidently:

1. Educate Yourself: The more you know about the options available to you, the more empowered you’ll feel to make a choice. Understand the difference between the various implant shapes and what each can offer in terms of results.
2. Trust in Expertise: Lean on the experience and knowledge of your chosen plastic surgeon. They’ve been through this many times and can offer guidance based on what they’ve seen work best for others with similar body types and goals.
3. Visualise the Outcome: Think about how you want to look and feel after the procedure. Keeping this end goal in mind can help guide your decision-making.
4. Stay True to Yourself: While it’s helpful to get opinions from friends or loved ones, remember this is your body and your choice. What feels right for someone else might not be what feels right for you.

Breast implant shape FAQS

How to choose between round or teardrop implants?

Round and teardrop implants each have their benefits and drawbacks. Round implants cost less and can enhance fullness in both the lower and upper portions of the breast. Implant rotation is not a problem with round implants, eliminating the need for breast implant revision surgery to correct implant rotation. Anatomical implants are popular with patients who would like to achieve a natural-looking breast, although there is a slightly higher risk of BIA-ALCL compared with round implants. If anatomical implants were to rotate, this could often cause visible breast asymmetry and will require corrective breast surgery.

Are teardrop implants smaller than round implants?

Although anatomical implants often appear slightly smaller compared with round implants of the same size, this is often because of the wider dimensions of round implants. Round implants can enhance fullness in both the upper and lower parts of the breast tissue, which may give the impression of them looking bigger. Anatomical implants can give a more natural-looking sloped appearance due to having a firmer gel which deforms less easily.

Do round implants look natural?

Round implants can produce natural-looking results when the surgery is carried out by an experienced plastic surgeon and often have a teardrop shape when patients stand up. Enhanced cleavage can be achieved with a natural breast slope due to the effects of gravity when standing. Anatomical implants may provide a more natural look and feel both when standing or lying down, as round implants appear distinctly rounded when lying flat.

Why do teardrop implants cost more than round implants?

Round implants cost less than teardrop implants as they are slightly easier to manufacture, allowing them to pass on the cost savings to clinics and, ultimately, the patient.

Are anatomical implants safe?

Although teardrop implants are associated with a slightly higher risk of BIA-ALCL, which is a rare type of blood cancer, they are generally considered to be safe. There are risks with both types of implant shapes, and the most appropriate choice will be advised by your surgeon.

What is the most natural type of breast implants?

The latest generation round and teardrop implants have a very natural feel and consistency. Saline implants are no longer used as they do not feel as natural as implants containing medical-grade silicone. Silicone cohesive gel has good stability and consistency in feel, making it the most natural type of breast implant.

RELATED: What are the most natural looking breast implants?

How to have a natural breast augmentation

There are now alternatives to breast augmentation with implants. Fat transfer breast augmentation involves the removal of excess fat from other areas of the body, such as the abdomen, hips or thighs. The fat is then processed to remove impurities before being injected into targeted areas of the breast to achieve a natural breast enhancement with your own body fat. The drawback of fat transfer to the breasts involves the limited increases in size that can be achieved with the technique, with most women only able to increase their breast size by half a cup size or a full cup size at most.

RELATED: Fat transfer breast augmentation pros and cons

Breast Implant Shape – FAQS about Round VS Anatomical Implants

Are round implants or teardrop implants better?

The choice between round and teardrop implants isn’t about one being superior to the other; it’s about individual preference and the desired outcome. Round implants can give a fuller appearance, especially at the top part of the breast, which some individuals might prefer. Teardrop implants, on the other hand, tend to mimic the natural slope of the breast and can offer a more natural profile for others. A qualified surgeon can provide guidance based on a patient’s anatomical features and aesthetic goals.

Do round implants look bigger than teardrop?

Round implants tend to give a fuller appearance, especially in the upper portion of the breast. This is due to their consistent shape throughout. Teardrop implants, by contrast, have a tapering shape which mimics the natural slope of the breast. So even if they hold the same volume, round implants might appear more prominent because of the distribution of that volume.

What do anatomical implants look like when lying down?

Teardrop, or anatomical implants, retain their shape due to their structured design. So, unlike round implants which might spread out a bit when a person lies down, anatomical implants typically hold their distinct teardrop shape.

What are Motiva implants?

Motiva Breast Implants are a newer generation of silicone implants known for their advanced design and texture. They have undergone extensive testing to ensure safety and performance. The implants are crafted to provide a natural feel and appearance, while also focusing on minimising potential complications. Another reliable and widely-used implant brand is Mentor. Both brands cater to varying needs and preferences.

Can round implants look natural?

Yes, round implants can produce a natural look, especially when chosen with the right size and projection for the patient’s body type. The key lies in the implant’s placement, the expertise of the surgeon, and ensuring that the implant size matches the patient’s chest dimensions. Overly large or inappropriately placed round implants can produce an excessively rounded appearance at the upper pole of the breast.

What is the safest breast implant?

Both saline and silicone implants have been widely used for decades and are considered safe when implanted by experienced surgeons. The type of implant isn’t the sole factor regarding safety; it’s also about the surgical procedure, post-operative care, and regular check-ups. Both types of implants come with their set of pros and cons, and both carry rare risks such as BII (Breast Implant Illness) or BIA-ALCL (a type of immune system cancer). It’s essential to know that implants might need replacement or removal after a certain period, often recommended at around 10-20 years.

What’s the most popular breast implant size?

While preferences can vary widely based on individual desires and body types, a common choice is between 325 to 375 cc. This volume can typically result in a size ranging from a small to a large C cup, depending on the individual’s starting breast tissue and chest dimensions.

Is 50 too old to have breast implants?

While age itself isn’t a strict barrier, the overall health of the individual is crucial. People in their 50s, or even older, can be good candidates for breast augmentation if they are in good health, have realistic expectations, and are cleared by a health professional. It’s also important for the breasts to be fully developed, which isn’t a concern by this age. Proper consultation and assessment are essential.

Why Choose Centre for Surgery? 🌟

Experience You Can Trust:
At Centre for Surgery, we pride ourselves on offering the pinnacle of surgical expertise. With years of experience under our belt, we’re leaders in the industry, delivering results that speak for themselves.

State-of-the-Art Facilities:
Our clinics boast the latest in medical technology, ensuring that our patients receive care in the most advanced and comfortable environments. Our focus? Safety, innovation, and excellence.

Patient-Centric Approach:
Your journey, from the initial consultation to the final check-up, is of utmost importance to us. We promise personalised care, tailored to your unique needs and wishes.

Unparalleled Aftercare:
Recovery is as crucial as the procedure itself. Our dedicated team ensures you receive comprehensive post-operative care, guiding you through each step of your healing journey.

Patient Testimonials: 🗣️
“The team at Centre for Surgery was phenomenal. They made me feel at ease from the moment I walked in. The results? Better than I could’ve ever imagined!” – Emma, 32

“I never thought I’d look forward to a surgical procedure, but the care and attention I received made all the difference. A big thank you to the whole team!” – Raj, 28

“Choosing Centre for Surgery was the best decision I made. The aftercare was exceptional, and the staff were always there when I had questions.” – Isabella, 26

Join the growing family of satisfied patients at Centre for Surgery. Book a consultation today and discover the difference we can make in your life.

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